New York Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

When is it legal to pass a school bus?

1. When the bus is moving at a reduced speed

2. When the bus is not picking up or dropping off children and its lights are not flashing

3. When you are on a one-way street

4. When a police officer signals you to do so

The correct answer is: When the bus is not picking up or dropping off children and its lights are not flashing

The correct answer indicates that it is legal to pass a school bus when it is not picking up or dropping off children and its lights are not flashing. This is important for safety reasons. School buses are equipped with flashing lights and stop signs to indicate when they are loading or unloading children, which calls for absolute caution from other drivers. The law is designed to protect children, who might be crossing the street to board or after alighting from the bus. When the bus is stationary with its lights flashing, it is an indication that children are present, and therefore, stopping is required. The absence of flashing lights coupled with the bus not actively picking up or dropping off children ensures that the road is clear of any potential hazards, making it safe to proceed. Understanding this rule helps drivers make informed decisions and enhances safety for everyone on the road, especially children. The other scenarios, while they may seem plausible in certain contexts, do not override the crucial safety signs associated with school buses. For example, reduced speed alone or the presence of a police officer does not guarantee that it would be safe to pass, especially in a situation where children may still be nearby. The law prioritizes the protection of children and strictly defines the conditions under which passing a school bus